Bells are no health hazard

I would like to thank Alexander Cortis (August 4) for dedicating time towards "promoting" the Zabbar sanctuary bells.

We have heard a lot about these bells, but the last contribution is somehow astonishing, claiming that these bells are some health hazard for the locals or that they are causing him a disturbed sleep syndrome.

His other claim that ringing bells at night has been banned in other countries is untrue. Has he ever visited London, Rome or Prague?

I suggest he focuses his interests and letters on other areas not far from the church belfry. For instance, the fully restored Sanctuary Museum, which contains the biggest ex-voto collection on the island and which was fully funded by the local parish.

Other landmarks are the Hompesch Gate, which is in dire need of restoration, and the Zabbar Sanctuary itself which is full of religious artefacts, some of which were direct donations from the Grand Masters and the Order of St John.

The correspondent said many Maltese have a propensity towards creating noise and that empty vessels make most sound. The Maltese have a lot of good qualities. Surely, he should be less pessimistic.